The seven Chinese kidnapped in central Iraq are in good condition. 

Witnesses say the Chinese cannot speak English or Arabic, and they were kidnapped on the highway from Mosul to Fallujah, west of Baghdad.

The Chinese Embassy in Iraq says the seven men, all from southeast China's Fujian Province, entered Iraq via Jordan Sunday morning. The oldest is 48, and the youngest is 18.

An Arab TV network reported that the captives were in good condition and not handcuffed, but it remained unclear what the kidnappers will do to them.

Insurgents in Iraq are holding a number of foreign hostages in an effort to negotiate a ceasefire or a full withdrawal of occupying troops.

China, one of the five permanent members in the UN Security Council, is opposed to the military invasion of Iraq.

It has also refused to send any troops to join the US-led coalition that occupies the war-ravaged country.

(CRI.com April 12, 2004)